ABC Banks Their New Comedy Shows On Malin Akerman & Rebel Wilson

Following breakthrough supporting turns in “Bridesmaids” and “Watchmen” respectively, Rebel Wilson and Malin Akerman have experienced a jump to more prominent roles, but of varying degrees of quality. Wilson recently plumbed the raunchy comedy route to much less success in the appalling “Bachelorette,” while Akerman impressed in the unfairly overlooked "Wanderlust," but als co-starred in the already forgotten Nicolas Cage thriller “Stolen.” But now it seems the small screen might fit both actresses' wishes, and on the same network no less.

ABC has announced it will take on two new comedy pilots, and for Wilson's network TV debut, “Super Fun Night,” she's accrued quite the wealth of talent to back her up. Conan O'Brien will executive produce the series, while “30 Rock” showrunner John Riggi is involved in the same position as for that show. Originally developed as a multi-camera, CBS sitcom last television season, which they discarded, ABC has now decided to revamp the production as a single-camera entity, and the changes don't stop there. Actresses Jenny Slate and Edi Patterson originally played Wilson's nerdy friends, starring with her as the series followed their “funcomfortable” nights outs every weekend, but it's been since announced their parts will be recast for the ABC version. The Wilson-penned 'Night' doesn't have a confirmed airdate yet, but if the show continues the promise she's shown thus far in her career, it should make for a quality project overall.

Meanwhile, down the same development hall at ABC, Akerman is gearing up to lead her own single-camera comedy pilot, “Trophy Wife,” as well. Executive produced by “Bad Teacher” screenwriters Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, the show has quickly gone from swift pilot order negotiations earlier this month to a series order today, so the network must be fairly confident on their pick. Almost as a narrative companion to Wilson's show, 'Wife' centers on a reformed party girl (Akerman), who takes on a new relationship along with the three dreadful kids and two ex-wives that come with it. Akerman — who will already be an ABC presence with the drama “Suburgatory” — is approaching a new consistent avenue in television, but along with Wilson, only time will tell if their respective sitcoms can port the momentum over from their solid film careers. [Deadline]